The MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy hosted a boxing bonanza tribute in honour of the nation’s founding father, Sam Nujoma, last Saturday in Windhoek.
The event brought together boxing fans from across the country and featured 12 exciting bouts throughout the evening, with fighters from the academy dominating most of the contests. The academy recorded several victories, while only one fight ended in a draw.
One of the notable fights of the evening saw Namibia’s Joy Nangolo secure a unanimous decision victory over South Africa’s Rofhiwa Nemushungwa in the bantamweight division.
Nangolo delivered a composed performance throughout the fight, impressing supporters with his speed and technical ability.
Another thrilling contest saw Harry Simon Jr take on Zimbabwe’s Freeman Mabongwe for the international welterweight title. Simon Jr emerged victorious at the beginning of the sixth round after Mabongwe tapped out, handing the Namibian boxer an important win in front of the home crowd.
The night also featured a high-profile title defence as Mateus “The Beast” Heita squared off against South Africa’s Zolisa Batyi for the WBO Africa featherweight title.
After 12 intense rounds, Heita defeated Batyi to successfully retain his title. The bout kept spectators on the edge of their seats as both fighters displayed determination and endurance throughout the encounter.
Headlining the boxing bonanza was Fillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa, who faced American boxer Leonardo Carrillo for the WBO global super bantamweight title. Nghitumbwa delivered a strong performance to overcome Carrillo and cap off a successful night for the local fighters.
Speaking after his victory, Nghitumbwa used the opportunity to call on government to assist professional boxers with employment opportunities.
“I have been fighting for this country since 2015. I went to the All African Games in Congo Brazzaville and many other countries, but we are still jobless. I want to ask the minister to please help us. We don’t have jobs, especially professional boxers,” he said.
The boxer’s comments highlighted the challenges many athletes continue to face despite representing Namibia internationally and bringing honour to the country through sport.
Speaking on behalf of the Nujoma family, Utoni Nujoma, son of the late founding president and former minister, described the tribute as a meaningful honour to his father’s legacy. He said the family was pleased to see boxing being used to celebrate the life and contribution of the late statesman.
“For us as a family, it is always an honour to come and pay tribute and to honour his legacy. We are particularly happy because boxing is taking centre stage, and I want to thank Nestor Tobias for what he has done,” he said.
Nujoma further noted that Africa has many talented fighters and encouraged Namibians to continue supporting local boxing promoters and athletes.
He added that events such as the bonanza play an important role in developing the sport and giving local fighters exposure on international platforms.